Volunteers are set to start making up food parcels and delivering toys as part of the Christmas Appeal which helps families in need across the borough.

The final donations to the appeal were handed into organisers of the appeal - Hinckley Sure Start - last week and donations bins have now been removed.

Residents in the borough have given toys for children aged up to 14, gifts, toiletries and food to the appeal which will be given to people who are less fortunate than others and who have been referred to Sure Start by professionals.

The aim of the appeal is to help to make their Christmas special and organisations such as Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, the Salvation Army, Worklink, Hinckley Foodbank, and The Hinckley Times backed the appeal to make sure it was a success.

Hinckley Food Bank are in charge of the food parcels which are delivered to families and individuals as part of the appeal. It is the second year the food bank have taken on the role, which used to be done by the Salvation Army.

Andy Cleaver, of the Food Bank, said: “The food used in the parcels comes from the donation bins, donations from organisations and from our collection days, as well as a few items we buy ourselves.

“We trying to make the parcels special and Christmassy by adding things like mince pies, stuffing and gravy.

“It’s a difficult time for families - it’s an expensive time of year. Parents are under pressure to buy gifts for their children and to be able to give them some relief is important.

“This appeal helps stop bullying at school because children will not go without and it removs the stress for families.

“Stress can destroy families but this appeal releases the pressure and tension of finding the money for food over Christmas and can make a massive difference to people’s lives.”

Andy added: “This year we will make between 100 and 110 food parcels with the help of around 17 volunteers. These parcels are for families with children, single parents and even individuals.

“We see this as a brilliant and valuable project and we would love to remain a part of it as long as its running.”